A: Quetil Trail Bluff

Quetil Trail Bluff is a climbing area in the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. It sits close to the Quetil Trail and the Alto Pass and Railroad Boulder climbing areas, which makes it easy to pair with other outings in the district. The area offers sport climbing with a mix of moderate and more challenging routes. There are 12 routes in all, with grades ranging from 5.6 to 5.11. The easiest are Alto Chili Bowl at 5.6 and Sprecher Brew Co at 5.6, and the hardest is Swamp Hog at 5.11. One route, Rendleman's, is 5.10a/b. Trad climbing is also present, with one route in the mix. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to climb. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Anna put October highs around 73°F with lows near 48°F, and April highs around 71°F. Summer is hotter, with July averaging highs near 90°F. Other nearby options include the Quetil Trail hike, about 0.3 miles away, and Little Cedar Lake, roughly 2 miles off. Clear Creek, about 4 miles away, is a paddling spot, and Pine Hills Campground lies roughly 7 miles away for an overnight stay.